Legislature was considering a bill calling for
a drastic reduction in the diversions. The
bill resulted from a plan proposed by a local,
state, and federal task force formed to deal
with the problem. Many lawmakers did
vote in favor of the plan, but it failed to pass.
Even so, Mono Lake boosters could view
the defeat as a partial victory-at least it
demonstrated that support for their cause
was growing.
Academic interest in the lake continues.
In addition to studies sponsored by the
DWP, six different research teams from var
ious universities are now at work there.
Though each focuses on a separate link in
the environmental chain-brine shrimp,
algae, water salinity, shorebirds, nesting
birds, alkali dust-their combined efforts
are bringing a clearer picture of Mono
Lake's biosphere.
Unearthly sculpture gardens of fragile, windswept tufa on the shore